Things to Buy for a New House a Practical Checklist

Moving into a new house is an exciting milestone, but those first couple of days can feel pretty chaotic. When you're thinking about the essential things to buy for a new house, it really all boils down to immediate comfort and function—think basic cleaning supplies, a simple tool kit, toiletries, and fresh bedding. Getting these bits and pieces sorted beforehand is what turns a stressful move into a smooth transition.

Your First 48 Hours New Home Survival Kit

The moment you get the keys, the clock starts ticking. Before you even dream of unpacking the nice-to-haves or organising the kitchen cupboards, the priority is to create a liveable space. Think of it as building a small, temporary base camp inside your new property. The goal isn't perfection; it's just about having what you need to eat, sleep, and clean without having to dig through dozens of boxes.

This initial phase is all about practicality. You'll want immediate access to the things that provide basic comfort and solve the most common moving-day problems. A misplaced phone charger or not being able to find a loo roll can quickly take the shine off the excitement of a new home.

Prioritising Your Immediate Needs

To make your first two nights feel less like camping and more like home, focus on three core areas: hygiene, basic food and drink, and any immediate little repairs. Your best friend here is a well-prepared "essentials box." This is a single, clearly labelled box that should travel with you in the car—not on the removal van—and contain everything from toothbrushes and medication to a kettle and some coffee.

Many movers find it helps to group their immediate shopping list into simple categories:

• The Cleaning Crew: All-purpose cleaner, cloths, bin bags, and kitchen roll. Getting the bathroom and a kitchen worktop clean are non-negotiable first steps.
• Tool Time: A small toolkit with a hammer, screwdriver, pliers, and a Stanley knife will be a lifesaver for putting together furniture or slicing open stubborn packaging.
• The Comfort Corner: Fresh bedding, pillows, and towels. A good night's sleep is absolutely crucial after a long day of lifting and shifting.

By focusing on a "first 48 hours" kit, you prevent that feeling of being totally overwhelmed. Instead of staring at an endless list, you concentrate on a manageable, high-impact set of items that make your house functional from the very first hour.

This strategic approach saves you a ton of time and stress. For a really structured start, you can even find pre-made starter home removal kits that bundle together many of the essential packing materials, helping you get organised before the move even begins.

To make it even easier, here's a quick rundown of the absolute must-haves for those first two days.

First 48 Hours New Home Essentials

Having these items on hand means you can walk in, make a cup of tea, and tackle day one with confidence, knowing all your immediate needs are covered.

Mastering the Move with Smart Packing Supplies

Getting your belongings safely from your old house to your new one is the first big challenge of any move. The right packing supplies aren't just a nice-to-have; they’re a critical investment in protecting everything you own. It's time to think beyond just "getting boxes" if you want a damage-free relocation.

Thinking strategically about your packing materials will save you a world of heartache and money down the line. A bit of planning now stops you from discovering a cracked TV screen or a shattered family heirloom later. This is exactly why quality materials are one of the most important things to buy for a new house.

Choosing the Right Boxes for the Job

Let's be clear: not all cardboard boxes are created equal. One of the most common moving mistakes is using the wrong box for the wrong item, and it's a surefire recipe for breakages. A box made for pillows will buckle under the weight of books, while a huge box packed with heavy items is a nightmare to lift.

Think of it like having the right tool for a DIY task. You wouldn't use a sledgehammer to hang a picture frame. In the same way, you need a variety of boxes for your different belongings:

• Standard Medium Boxes: These are your absolute workhorses. They're perfect for the vast majority of household items, from kitchenware and toys to small appliances.
• Large Boxes: Got bulky, lightweight things? This is the box for them. Think bedding, cushions, lampshades, and duvets. Just resist the temptation to fill them with heavy stuff.
• Heavy-Duty Double-Walled Boxes: These are essential for protecting anything fragile or heavy. We’re talking books, stacks of plates, and electronics. The extra-strong, reinforced construction stops the bottom from giving way.
• Wardrobe Boxes: An absolute lifesaver. These tall boxes have a built-in hanging rail, so you can move your clothes straight from one wardrobe to another without a single crease. Unpacking your closet becomes a two-minute job.

Essential Protection Beyond the Box

Once you've got your boxes sorted, the next line of defence is protective wrapping. This stuff is what fills the gaps, cushions your items against bumps in the road, and stops things from scratching each other in transit. How you pack is just as important as what you pack with, so having the right materials is vital. For a complete masterclass, check out this expert guide on how to pack for moving.

Your protective supply kit should include:

• Bubble Wrap: Non-negotiable for anything delicate. Be generous with it on glassware, mirrors, picture frames, and electronics.
• Packing Paper: Perfect for wrapping individual dishes and glasses. It's also brilliant for scrunching up and filling empty spaces in boxes to stop items from shifting around.
• Mattress and Sofa Covers: These big plastic bags are a must. They protect your soft furnishings from dirt, damp, and accidental rips while being carried in and out of the van.

This simple flow shows how a great move starts with the practical stuff. You need the right tools to clean your new home and the right materials to get your belongings there in one piece.

Budget Versus Eco-Friendly Choices

When it comes to buying your supplies, you’ve got options that can suit your budget and your environmental principles. While traditional, single-use materials are often the cheapest upfront, more sustainable alternatives are getting easier to find and use.

A conscious choice in packing supplies doesn't just protect your belongings; it can also reduce your environmental footprint. Making a sustainable choice is becoming an increasingly important part of the moving process for many households.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Ultimately, mastering your move boils down to thoughtful preparation. By investing in the correct types and amounts of smart packing supplies, you ensure your belongings arrive safely and set yourself up for a brilliant start in your new home.

Equipping the Heart of Your Home: The Kitchen

The kitchen is often where a new house finally starts to feel like a home. It’s the hub of daily life, so getting it up and running as quickly as possible is a huge win when you move in. This is where you'll boil that first kettle, cook your first proper meal, and start making memories.

First things first: the big appliances. Many new homes have them built-in, but if not, you need to decide whether to bring your old ones or buy new. When you're outfitting the heart of your home, an essential kitchen appliance buying guide can be a lifesaver, helping you weigh up important factors like size and energy efficiency for your new space.

Let's be honest, moving a massive fridge-freezer or washing machine is a risky and often expensive job. If your old appliances are on their last legs anyway, investing in new, energy-efficient models can actually save you a fair bit on your utility bills down the line.

Small Appliances and Daily Essentials

With the big stuff sorted, it’s time to think about the small but mighty gadgets that make life easier. These are the kitchen's real workhorses, and you'll notice their absence straight away if they're buried in a box somewhere.

Focus on the morning essentials first. Seriously, just these three:

1. A Kettle: Absolutely non-negotiable for that first cup of tea or coffee on moving day. It’s practically a law.
2. A Toaster: For quick, easy breakfasts when you’re still surrounded by a sea of cardboard.
3. A Microwave: A lifesaver for reheating leftovers or zapping a simple meal when you're too exhausted to even think about cooking.

These three items are your survival kit. They create a functional base, letting you eat and drink without having to unpack every last box. You can worry about the fancy coffee machine and the air fryer later; get the basics sorted first.

Cookware, Utensils, and Dinnerware

Right, let's talk about the tools you actually need to cook and eat. Don't feel you have to rush out and buy a complete, professional-grade set of everything at once. Start with a solid foundation and you can build on it over time.

Begin with a versatile set of pots and pans. A small saucepan, a large stockpot, and a good non-stick frying pan will handle most of what you need to cook initially. Chuck in a baking tray for the oven, and you're well on your way.

Next up, utensils. A starter kit should include a spatula, a large spoon, a slotted spoon, a ladle, and a decent chef’s knife. You'll also need a chopping board, a colander, measuring cups, and a tin opener. These items are among the most crucial things to buy for a new house because without them, you can’t really prepare a proper meal.

Moving delicate kitchen items like plates and glassware requires special care. Proper packing techniques are essential to ensure your dinnerware arrives in one piece, ready for your first meal in your new home.

For your dinnerware, a simple four-person set of plates, bowls, and mugs is a great place to start. And don't forget the cutlery! A basic set of knives, forks, and spoons is all you need for now. Getting these fragile items to your new home safely is key, and our guide on how to pack fragile items with bubble wrap has all the expert tips you'll need.

Your Starter Pantry List

Finally, nothing makes a new kitchen feel more welcoming than having some food in the cupboards. A quick shop for basics before you move means you can avoid that last-minute dash to the supermarket. This isn't your full weekly shop; it’s just the core ingredients for simple, comforting meals.

Consider this your go-to starter list:

With these bits on hand, you’ll be able to whip up a simple pasta dish, a quick bowl of porridge, or a comforting sandwich without any fuss. This little bit of prep work transforms your kitchen from an empty room into a functional, welcoming space from day one.

Furnishing Your Living Room and Bedroom

Once the dust from moving day has settled, your attention can finally turn to the fun part: making those empty rooms feel like home. Your living room and bedroom are the spaces where you'll really live and relax, so getting them right is a massive step towards feeling properly settled in.

But before you rush out to buy that sofa you’ve been eyeing, a little planning goes a long way. One of the most common moving-in mistakes is buying furniture that looked perfect in a spacious showroom but ends up completely swamping your new space. Do yourself a favour and get comfortable with how to measure a room for furniture first. It’s a simple step that saves a world of hassle later on.

Creating a Comfortable Living Room

The living room is where life happens, so it needs to be both practical and welcoming. The sofa is almost always the main event and your biggest investment here. Think about how you’ll actually use the space. Do you need a sprawling corner sofa for family film nights, or would a smart two-seater work better in a smaller flat?

After you've sorted the sofa, these are the other foundational pieces to consider:

• Coffee Table: The central hub for drinks, books, and remotes. One with hidden storage is a great way to keep clutter under control.
• TV Stand or Media Unit: Needs to be strong enough for your TV and have space for consoles, soundbars, and all those pesky cables.
• Side Tables: Incredibly useful next to sofas and armchairs for a lamp or a cup of tea.
• Lighting: A good mix of overhead lights, floor lamps, and table lamps is key to creating a warm, layered atmosphere in the evening.

Remember, furniture is a big purchase. Protecting it during the move is just as vital as picking the right pieces. For some expert tips, check out our guide on how to protect furniture with moving blankets.

Designing a Peaceful Bedroom Retreat

Your bedroom should be your sanctuary—a calm, restful space to escape to. The single most important thing you'll buy for this room is your mattress. A good mattress can genuinely transform your quality of sleep, which impacts everything else. Don't be shy about trying them out in-store to find one that gives you the right support.

Beyond the mattress, your bedroom essentials list should include:

• A Sturdy Bed Frame: It supports your mattress and really sets the style for the entire room.
• Quality Bedding: It's worth investing in comfy pillows, a good duvet for the season, and soft bed linen.
• Storage Solutions: A wardrobe and a chest of drawers are non-negotiable for keeping your room tidy and your clothes organised.

Of course, your budget for these big-ticket items will be shaped by the upfront cost of buying the house itself. It's always a juggling act between paying for the property and having enough left over to furnish it comfortably.

This financial pressure varies massively depending on where you are. In the UK, the average property price for a first-time buyer hit £311,034 in 2024. But that figure hides some huge regional splits. London is the priciest area by a long shot, with an average of £511,514, while in the North East, it’s a more manageable £180,834. This directly affects how much new homeowners have left for the essential things to buy for a new house, as furniture costs often scale with property prices.

Furnishing Budget vs. Premium Choices

When you're starting from scratch, you'll constantly be weighing up cost versus quality. While it’s tempting to grab the cheapest option for everything, investing in a few key pieces can really pay off in the long run.

The table below breaks down the main differences you’ll find between budget and premium choices for some core furniture items.

Making smart choices here doesn't just mean saving money upfront; it's about creating spaces that are comfortable, stylish, and built to last.

Essential Tools for Home Maintenance

When you get the keys to your new place, you suddenly become the first line of defence against leaky taps, wobbly shelves, and all the other little jobs that life throws at you. Grabbing a fundamental toolkit is one of the smartest things you can do; it empowers you to handle minor fixes yourself, saving both money and the hassle of waiting for a professional.

There’s a real sense of security and self-sufficiency that comes with having a basic set of tools on hand. You won’t be caught out when you need to hang a picture, tighten a loose cabinet handle, or tackle that new piece of flat-pack furniture. It’s all about being prepared.

Building Your Starter Toolkit

You don't need a professional-grade workshop to get started. A small, curated collection of quality hand tools will cover about 90% of the routine jobs you'll likely face. Think of this as your home maintenance survival kit.

Your core toolkit should include these non-negotiable items:

• Hammer: A classic claw hammer is a must-have for everything from putting up photos to light demolition work.
• Screwdriver Set: Get a set with multiple heads (flathead and Phillips are essential) in various sizes. This will be one of your most-used tools, guaranteed.
• Pliers: A pair of combination pliers and needle-nose pliers will help you grip, twist, and cut wires and other small objects with ease.
• Tape Measure: Absolutely crucial for measuring spaces for new furniture, checking dimensions for blinds, and pretty much any DIY project you can think of.

With just these four items, you can tackle a huge range of common household tasks. For a more complete set of moving day essentials, you can explore our specific guide to house moving tools that will help you from day one.

Beyond the Basics: Essential Additions

Once you have the fundamentals covered, a few extra items will seriously expand what you can do and make jobs safer and easier. These are the next logical additions to your growing collection.

Consider adding a sturdy step ladder for safely reaching high shelves, changing lightbulbs, or painting. A reliable torch is another must-have for inspecting dark corners or dealing with a power cut. And trust us, a couple of good-quality extension cords will always come in handy.

The initial financial outlay of buying a house often leaves budgets stretched thin. Investing wisely in a good toolkit is a long-term saving strategy, preventing costly call-out fees for jobs you can easily handle yourself.

This is especially true when you consider the hefty upfront costs of a deposit and stamp duty. In 2023-24, the average deposit for first-time buyers in the UK was £55,372, and stamp duty can add thousands more for properties over £300,000. These figures highlight why being able to perform your own small repairs is so valuable.

Getting Started with Garden and Outdoor Tools

If your new home comes with a garden, you'll need a separate set of tools to keep it looking its best. Don't feel you have to buy everything at once. Start with the essentials and build your collection as you get to know your outdoor space.

Your initial garden tool shopping list should include:

1. A Lawnmower: Essential for keeping your lawn tidy. Choose a model—electric, petrol, or manual—that suits the size of your garden.
2. Gardening Gloves: A good pair will protect your hands from thorns, dirt, and blisters.
3. A Spade and Fork: For digging, planting, and turning over soil.
4. Secateurs: For pruning bushes, trimming small branches, and keeping plants healthy.

These tools form a solid foundation for most basic gardening jobs. By making these smart, proactive purchases, you’re not just buying tools; you’re investing in your home’s future and your own capability as a homeowner.

Securing Your Home: Safety and Cleaning Essentials

Getting the keys to your new place is a huge milestone, but before you even think about unpacking, there are a couple of crucial jobs to tick off. Making your new investment safe and giving it a good clean aren't just 'nice things to do' – they're the absolute first steps to making a house feel like your home.

First things first: change all the exterior locks. You have no idea who might have a spare key from the previous owners, whether it’s a neighbour, a cleaner, or a distant relative. This one simple task brings instant peace of mind and is one of the most important first things to buy for a new house. It’s a small price to pay for a massive security boost.

Prioritising Health and Safety

Once you’ve secured the perimeter, it’s time to look inside. Your family’s well-being comes first, and a few key bits of kit are non-negotiable in any home.

• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Go around and test every single detector as soon as you get in. Pop new batteries in them all, even if they seem to be working. If any of the units look ancient or are over 10 years old, replace them completely. It's not worth the risk.
• Fire Extinguisher: Get at least one multi-purpose fire extinguisher and stick it somewhere you can grab it easily. The kitchen is usually the best spot, as that’s where most house fires start.
• First-Aid Kit: With all the lifting, building, and general moving chaos, someone is bound to get a small cut or scrape. A well-stocked first-aid kit is an absolute must-have from day one.

Think of these as your foundational purchases. They’re a crucial investment in protecting your new asset. After all the financial sacrifice it takes to buy a home, safeguarding it right from the start is just common sense.

Let's face it, affording a home often means making some serious lifestyle changes. A recent survey found that 38% of first-time buyers had to put off major purchases and save for almost three years just to get their deposit together. That really puts into perspective the long-term commitment involved, making these initial safety spends all the more important. You can read more about the financial journey of UK homebuyers from TSB.

Your Pre-Unpacking Cleaning Checklist

Giving the place a deep clean before all your furniture and boxes arrive is a golden opportunity. Trust us, it’s so much easier to get into every nook and cranny of an empty house than it is to clean around stacks of boxes later.

Here’s your essential cleaning arsenal to get you started:

• A Quality Vacuum Cleaner: To get rid of all the dust and debris left behind.
• Mop and Bucket: Essential for giving all the hard floors a proper wash.
• All-Purpose Cleaner: Perfect for wiping down kitchen worktops, bathroom surfaces, and window sills.
• Microfibre Cloths and Sponges: For a good, scratch-free clean on all surfaces.
• Bin Bags: You will need way more of these than you think for all the rubbish that moving creates.

By getting these safety and cleaning jobs out of the way first, you’re setting yourself up for success. Your new house will be secure, healthy, and ready for you to start the much more exciting job of turning it into a home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving into a new home is a whirlwind of excitement, but it also comes with a seemingly endless to-do list. Let's tackle some of the most common questions new homeowners have about what to buy, how to budget, and where to focus your energy first.

What Should I Buy Before I Move into My New House?

Before the big day, you’ll want to focus on three key areas to make everything run smoothly. First up, your packing supplies. Get all your sturdy boxes, strong tape, and protective covers for mattresses and sofas sorted well in advance.

Next, put together an "essentials box" for the first 24 hours. This is your lifeline! Pack it with things like toiletries, any must-have medications, phone chargers, a kettle (and tea bags, of course), and a few snacks to keep you going.

Finally, assemble a full set of cleaning supplies. Trust us, you’ll want to give the empty house a good scrub before any of your furniture comes through the door. Having these items ready to go makes the whole process far less stressful.

How Can I Budget for Everything a New House Needs?

The key is to start with a list and be ruthless with your priorities. Split everything into two columns: 'needs' (like a bed, a fridge, or curtains for the bedroom) and 'wants' (that fancy coffee machine or the perfect piece of art for the living room). Your budget should always go to the 'needs' first.

Do a bit of research online to get a realistic idea of costs, and always keep an eye out for sales or second-hand bargains. The most important thing? Don't feel you have to furnish the entire house in one go. Spreading out your purchases over a few months makes it so much more manageable for your wallet.

Should I Buy New Appliances or Bring My Old Ones?

This one really comes down to the age, condition, and energy efficiency of what you've already got. If your current appliances have seen better days and guzzle electricity, investing in new, energy-efficient models could actually save you a good chunk of money on your bills down the line.

You also need to weigh up the cost and hassle of shifting heavy appliances versus the sheer convenience of having shiny new ones delivered and installed for you. If your current ones are fairly new and will fit nicely into your new space, it's almost always more cost-effective to bring them with you.

What Are the Most Overlooked Items for a New Home?

It's always the small, practical things that get forgotten in the chaos of a move, but they’re often the items that solve the biggest headaches.

People often forget about a decent tool kit, a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit, a plunger for each bathroom, and window coverings for privacy. Even a set of temporary paper blinds can be an absolute lifesaver in those first few weeks.

A few other things that fly under the radar are extra power strips and extension leads – you can never have enough when you're setting up all your electronics. Planning for these functional purchases ahead of time will save you a lot of last-minute panic.

For all your moving and packing needs, from durable boxes to protective covers, The Box Warehouse is your one-stop shop. Visit us to find everything you need to protect your belongings and ensure a smooth move: https://www.theboxwarehouse.co.uk